SEBASTIEN Bassong is favourite to head a possible mass exodus at St James’s Park.

Bassong wants to quit the relegated Magpies in a bid to find Premier League football.

The Chronicle reported on Tuesday night that Toon players are prepared to spark a revolt if the uncertainty at Gallowgate is not resolved within two weeks, with Alan Shearer’s non-appointment one of the biggest frustrations for seven players.

And Bassong is expected to make his feelings clear when he returns to training on Monday at Newcastle United’s Benton HQ.

The French star returned from his holiday yesterday and immediately set up a meeting with his representatives in Paris before declaring he wanted to leave Tyneside.

However, the £500,000 signing from Metz last summer by Kevin Keegan will face an awkward wait to get his wish granted, with his current deal still having two years left to run.

Alan Shearer wants Bassong to stay at Newcastle and had planned to talk to the Toon’s player of the season last term when he returns on Monday.

Yet with Big Al a frustrated spectator while the sale of United drags on today, Bassong must wait and see if his transfer request is accepted by the current regime.

Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Bassong but the Chronicle understands that Arsene Wenger would like to see the defender show he can do it again at the top level next season before making his move.

Bassong said from France last night: “Nothing is concrete.

“Foreign clubs inquired, but as it is my priority to stay in England, I didn’t respond.

“Obviously, it would be better if things gathered pace, but I'm not worried.”

It has also emerged that £10m striker Obafemi Martins – who is happy to stay on Tyneside – has been hawked around clubs in Europe by one of his representatives, Olowu Dapo, who told the Spanish media: “From France, England and Spain, there have been no concrete offers.

“The player is only thinking at the moment about Newcastle, where he would have no problems staying.

“But if a good offer from a Champions League team arrived, that would be very attractive to him.”